Connect with Us

South Sudan runner to compete at Youth Games

LAUSANNE, Switzerland - A runner from South Sudan will compete as an "independent Olympic athlete" at the Summer Youth Games next month in China.

The IOC executive board says Tuesday it is reserving a spot for an unidentified "promising young runner" from South Sudan at the games in Nanjing from Aug. 16-28.

Because South Sudan does not yet have a recognized national Olympic committee, the runner will take part as an independent athlete under the Olympic flag.

In 2012, marathon runner Guor Marial of South Sudan competed as an independent athlete at the London Olympics.

We encourage an open exchange of ideas on this story's topic, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. Personal attacks, inappropriate language, and off-topic comments may be removed, and comment privileges revoked, per our Terms of Use. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.